Camping sites near Bryn Mawr, California offer diverse accommodations at elevations between 4,000 and 7,200 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. Most locations experience significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter nights often dropping below freezing. During peak camping season from June through September, weekend reservations typically fill 2-3 weeks in advance.
What to do
Explore fire lookouts: Visit Keller Peak's observation point for panoramic mountain views. "The Keller Peak Lookout was amazing. I thought it was just a tourist attraction but it's really a staffed (with volunteers) active fire lookout. Worth the trip for sure," notes a visitor to Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites.
Hiking and biking: Access trails directly from many campgrounds for day hikes ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty. A camper at Serrano recommends: "We loved camping here. Beautiful, pristine campground with bike trails/walking paths around the lake. The town is bike friendly. Weather is perfect in August."
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at stocked lakes for catch-and-release fishing. According to one visitor at Fisherman's Retreat, "My family loves fishing here." Some locations require no fishing license for on-site ponds, but all regional public lakes require standard California fishing permits.
What campers like
Well-spaced campsites: Many visitors appreciate privacy between sites. "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land. Quiet. Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away," reports a guest at North Shore Campground.
Family amenities: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly facilities. A Wilderness Lakes RV Resort visitor shared: "We enjoyed the pool, watching the ducks in the pond, and the kids loved the basketball court. Big spots with room to set up, but this place is booked and it's mid week late September."
Proximity to attractions: Many campsites provide convenient access to nearby towns and recreation areas. A camper at Mojave River Forks Regional Park mentioned: "The campground is close to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. We took a drive there for a visit and it was spectacular."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak season. "We reserved and camped at this beautiful campground back in July of 2018. It was a great experience. We pulled a 27' Travel Trailer from Livermore, CA and picked out the perfect site #94," explains a camper at North Shore Campground.
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season, particularly during high fire danger periods. A visitor to Keller Peak notes: "There are fire rings but fires are not always permitted so be sure to check with the station just at the bottom of Keller Peak road."
Primitive versus developed options: Campgrounds range from basic to full-service. A camper at Bonita Ranch Campground shared: "A little gem hiding out in Lytle Creek! Easy access to a pretty trail right behind the campground. Very quiet and interspersed with long time stayers and temporary campers."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shaded sites: Many campgrounds offer tree cover for summer heat relief. "This is a nice site with lots of shade. There is a lovely hiking trail at the far end of the site. There is water, flush toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables," recommends a visitor to North Shore Campground.
Consider bathroom proximity: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Bonelli Bluffs advises: "We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer. SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking and full hookups."
Yurt camping options: For families seeking yurt camping near Bryn Mawr, California, several locations offer these accommodations. "Nice place to camp. Plenty of loops. All under trees (as far as we could see). We managed to find a spot but they do take reservations and that's your best bet," shares a Serrano camper about their yurt experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big RVs. A visitor to Serrano notes: "We were in Serrano for 2 night past Memorial Day and it was wonderful. The campsites are clean, have clean bathrooms/shower access, and they sell firewood for $10. Town is only 10 minutes away for groceries and other necessities."
Hookup reliability: Power capacities vary by location. "They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working. This park is first come/first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site, so you can see the problem," cautions a camper at Wilderness Lakes RV Resort.
Off-season availability: Some campgrounds remain open year-round, while others close seasonally. "We camped here the last weekend before they closed for the winter, after Thanksgiving. The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites. There is a biking trail that goes through the campground that was well used," reports a Serrano visitor.
